A Highland Werewolf Wedding

After werewolves Elaine Hawthorn and Cearnach MacNeill almost have a head-on collision on a foggy Highland road, they're pretty well stuck with each other. It'll be hours before anyone can get there to pull his car out of the ditch and they both have better

Overview

Book 3 in Terry Spear's Highland Wolf Series

On The Run...

After werewolves Elaine Hawthorn and Cearnach MacNeill almost have a head-on collision on a foggy Highland road, they're pretty well stuck with each other. It'll be hours before anyone can get there to pull his car out of the ditch and they both have better places to be.

And Nowhere to Hide From Each Other...

The sexy little American brings out all of Cearnach's big bag protective instincts. If she thought she was in trouble before, Elaine has no idea what kind of complications a hot Scot can cause...

Praise for USA Today bestseller A SEAL in Wolf's Clothing:"Hot and sexy love scenes, and situational humor that had me laughing out loud."—Fresh Fiction"A nonstop, action-packed romance with kick, growls, and sexy attitude."—Long and Short Reviews"A delightful and tantalizing read. The characters are spirited and realistic...You'll be captivated."—Thoughts in Progress

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Terry Spear is an amazing writer, who brought this book to life with her clever use of details and steamy scenes to make you care about the characters you are reading about..." - Dominique Goodall's Review Blog

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Prologue

1782, St. Augustine, Florida

The heat of the October day made Elaine Hawthorn wilt as tears blurred her eyes. She choked back a sob as men shoveled the dirt onto her mother's and father's coffins. Never again would she see her mother's bright smile or her father's raised brow when she did something he thought was not quite ladylike. Never again would she feel her mother's and father's warm embraces, or hear them telling her how much they loved her. A fateful carriage accident had brought them to this.

Barely an hour later, her uncles Tobias and Samson pulled her away from the reception to speak with her privately. From their weary expressions-and the way Kelly Rafferty, a pirating wolf himself, had leered at her at the funeral-she was in for more dire news.

"Lass, you must have a mate," Uncle Tobias said, towering over her like an Irishman ready to do battle. He was a seasoned fighter, sailor, and pirate-or as he often reminded her, a privateer, like his twin brother. Tobias never took any guff from his men. He and his brother had been born while their parents were crossing the Irish Sea from Ireland to Scotland so she believed seawater ran in their veins. They were also shape-shifting gray wolves.

In her presence, her uncles always seemed uncomfortable, fidgeting and avoiding speaking with her as if she didn't exist. Now, they were forced to do something with her. Neither had children of his own, or at least not any that either of them acknowledged.

"He has the right of it, Elaine." Uncle Samson lifted his grizzled, tanned hands in an appeasing way. "At sixteen, you need a mate. Kelly Rafferty has the only viable wolf pack in the area and has asked for you to be his mate. We have concurred."

The air rushed out of her lungs, and she felt light-headed. She grasped the side table to steady herself. Gathering her wits, she responded with outrage. "You did not even ask me! I will not marry that arrogant, conceited wolf! He has never been interested in me. Never! Not until he thought he might gain my parents' properties!"

That made her wonder if he'd had anything to do with her parents' carriage accident. Wasn't it a little too convenient? Her family had been in competition in the pirating business with Kelly Rafferty all these years-and suddenly her parents die when Elaine is old enough that Kelly can mate with her and take over her parents' estates?

"Your father should have ensured you were already mated by this time, Elaine," Tobias said, half annoyed, half gruffly as if this business was now his to deal with, and he was going to do it however he saw fit.

Expediently. From what she'd heard, Rafferty was nearly two decades older than she was and ruthless besides.

"My father would never have forced me to mate someone I did not care for! What if Rafferty was responsible for my parents' death?"

Uncle Tobias folded his arms, looking at her like she'd make up anything to get out of taking a mate. Now that Rafferty had offered for her, no other wolf in his right mind would ask for her hand. Not if he wanted to live long.

"Take me with you. Let me see the world first. Then when we return to St. Augustine, if I have not found my own wolf mate by then, we will see if Mr. Rafferty is still interested."

Over her dead body.

After much arguing with her uncles, Elaine convinced them to allow her this one boon. With great reluctance, they arranged to have her estates managed until she returned.

***

Two days into the ocean voyage, Elaine heaved the contents of her belly into a bucket while attempting to rest in the captain's quarters, sicker than she had ever been.

Everything went from bad to worse as soon as they arrived at the port city of St. Andrews, Scotland. The ship carried a new name and her uncles dressed as respectable merchants, but someone must have recognized them for who they truly were.

Word soon reached the authorities that the notorious, pirating Hawthorn brothers had returned. As armed men hurried toward them, her Uncle Tobias signaled to one of his sailors, who shoved her to the cobblestones as if she was in their way.

Men grabbed her uncles and several of their crew, led them away in chains, and tried them with barely any representation. To her horror, her uncles were hanged in the town square at the behest of Lord Harold Whittington who owned a fleet of merchant ships and claimed her uncles had plundered three of them.

Scared to death that someone would see her, believe she was part of her uncles' crew, and hang her, too, she hastily wiped away the tears rolling freely down her cheeks and tried to slip away unnoticed in the chilly breeze. Her best hope was to return to Florida and her family's estates.

As she started to steal away, she spied a broad- shouldered man observing her. He was wearing a predominantly blue and green kilt, the plaid gathered over his shoulder and pinned, a sporran at his belt, and a sword at his back- and he looked fierce. Her heart did a tumble.

She had dressed as plainly as she could in a dark-green muslin gown with a fitted jacket and a petticoat of the same color. With a cloak covering these and the hood up over her head, she had hoped to be shielded from the view of the men and women milling about. She thought she had been obscure in the crowd.

Elaine slipped away with the crowd as several men headed for the pubs to celebrate the hanging. She glanced over her shoulder. Curiosity etched on his warrior face, the man was still watching her. He appeared to be a Highland warrior of old, someone who had fought in ruthless clan battles and come out a survivor. Maybe a loyal friend of Lord Whittington who would want a noose around her neck, too.

He lifted his nose and appeared to take a deep breath, as if he was trying to scent the wind. As if he was trying to smell her. Which immediately made her think of a wolf. Her skin prickled with unease.

His eyes widened and he headed in her direction, a few other men following him. The force of powerful males made her heart trip over itself as she strove to get away but at the same time make it look as though she wasn't trying to evade him.

Her heart pumped wildly as she tried to reach an alleyway, thinking she had gotten away. She was slipping down the narrow brick alleyway when a large hand grabbed her arm and effectively stopped her.

Barely able to catch her breath, she bit back a scream.

"Lass," the man said with a distinctive Highland burr, his voice low, "where are you going in such a hurry?"

His dark brown eyes were narrowed, focused on her, yet a small smile curved his lips, as if he was amused that she thought she could evade a wolf. Because that was just what he was.

A gray wolf, tall, muscularly built, but more wiry than bulky. His hand was holding her still, not bruising her but with enough pressure that she knew he was not about to let her go. He was handsome as the devil, the crinkle lines beneath his eyes telling her he was a man who liked to smile, his masculine lips likewise not thin and mean like Kelly Rafferty's, but pleasingly full with a curve that made her think he enjoyed life in a jovial rather than a cruel way.

His wind-tussled hair was an earthy shade of dark brown with streaks of red, and he had no hint of facial hair as if he had just shaved. He was lean and hard, not an ounce of fat, and determined, his jaw set, his brows raised a little now as he examined her more closely. He was taking a good long look, not in a leering way but taking in her distinctive appearance.

The three men who had been trailing behind him were now immersed in a brawl outside the alley, fists swinging.

"Are you here alone, lass?" the man asked, his voice seductively low. He was an alpha, in charge, wanting answers.

"Let... me... go," she growled. She was trying not to make a scene.

"Come with me and my brothers, and I will protect you," he offered.

A shiver stole up her spine. He must know she was related to the hanged men. The fight was growing closer-she could hear men's shouts and cries of pain, scuffling, and thuds as some went down.

She tried to wriggle loose of his strong grip, tried to peel his powerful fingers off her arm, but to no avail. He seemed mildly amused that she'd try.

"Let... me... go," she repeated, scowling up at him.

"If Lord Whittington learns you were one of the Hawthorns' kin, it willna go well for you," the man said. "My name is Cearnach MacNeill, and those behind me..." He glanced over his shoulder, then turned back to her, and amended, "Who were following me are my brothers. We will see you to safety."

If he was not kin, why should he and his family wish to aid her? She didn't trust his motives.

She shook her head. "You are mistaken about me, sir. Release me at once."

He did not seem inclined to do so, but a beefy half-drunken man came up behind him, skirted around the Highlander, and slugged Cearnach in the jaw. He immediately released Elaine so that he was free to pelt the drunk.

She darted down the alleyway, glancing back to see Cearnach struggling to rid himself of the brigand. He took a swing at the drunk, and when he had knocked him back several steps, Cearnach looked for her and spied her getting away. Her heart did a flip. He appeared both troubled and exasperated.

She ran out of the alley, dashed down the street until she found another alley, and ducked down it. She would find a ship and return home on her own.

Somehow she had to figure out a way to deal with Kelly Rafferty next.

***

Cearnach MacNeill swore as another lout smashed him in the jaw with a mighty punch. By the time he'd laid the man out with a couple of smashes in the face, Cearnach had lost sight of the she-wolf in the crowd. He suspected she was related to the Hawthorn brothers, which was the only way they would have taken her aboard their ship. He was almost certain that the only reason they had docked in St. Andrews was to gather their stolen goods and squirrel them away in some other location.

Did the lass know where the brothers had hidden the goods?

All he should have cared about was retrieving his family's stolen property from the now-dead brigands. When he'd looked into the girl's stricken face, he'd felt a deep regret that she'd just lost her family and now he intended to use her to reclaim his clan's goods. He was sincere about keeping her safe. At least until he could secure passage for her and send her home.

He'd seen the uncertainty in her dark brown eyes, the guarded hope he might rescue her from this nightmare. He'd felt a twinge of need-to protect her.

He picked up her wolf scent and headed for the wharves. Then he saw Robert Kilpatrick and the McKinley brothers and overheard Robert saying, "We have to get her before Whittington does."

Were they kin to the Hawthorn brothers? Most likely they wanted the same information from her as Cearnach did: where was the stolen property the Hawthorn brothers had hidden in Scotland?

Meet the Author

USA Today bestselling author Terry Spear has written over two dozen paranormal romance novels and medieval Highland historical romances. In 2008 Heart of the Wolf was named a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year. A retired officer of the U.S. Army Reserves, Terry also creates award-winning teddy bears that have found homes all over the world. She lives in Crawford, Texas.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

A Highland Werewolf Wedding 4.7 out of 5based on
0 ratings.
40 reviews.

DelphinaReadsTooMuch

More than 1 year ago

This is my favorite of Terry Spear's shifters, so far. I simply loved the way Elaine and Cearnach's story began. I can not really say more about it without being spoilery, but it does not begin in the ditch ;). Once again Terry created a story of true love with a bit of mystery, adventure, and whole lot of stubbornness on the parts of the main characters and a whole lot of heat. It really is everything I want in my shifter crack. No worries if you have not read any of the other books in this series. This easily reads beautifully as a stand alone, but be forewarned. You will want to read the rest of them after getting a taste of her yummy shifter world :) .

SheriV

More than 1 year ago

In what has to be the best heroine meets hero moment ever, Elaine Hawthorn and Cearnach MacNeill meet when she runs him off the road. Cearnach is on his way to a wedding of a friend&rsquo;s, even though he is very much unwelcome by her groom and his family. When Elaine runs him off the road and damages her car, he drags the American wolf with him. So begins a wonderful, sweet, sexy and funny love story, these do were fated to each other. Watching them fall in love despite their families being at odds, just shows that Ms. Spear is a suberb storyteller.
There are some amazing twists and turns in this story that surprised me. Not every day an author can actually surprise me anymore, but Ms. Spear did so twice in this story. Elaine and Cearnach are both loveable and likeable characters. When there are shapeshifters involved the timeline of falling in love is sped up but it&rsquo;s easily understandable and doesn&rsquo;t detract from this story. It&rsquo;s easy to see why Elaine and Cearnach fall in love, after all he&rsquo;s a hot Scotsman in a kilt and he&rsquo;s determined to protect her and easily surrenders his heart.
I loved this story and I highly recommend it. This was a story of love, lust, and buried treasure. This is part of an ongoing series but could easily be read as a standalone, but honestly just read all of Ms. Spear&rsquo;s werewolves, they are all delicious reads.

Readinginpajamas-Donna

More than 1 year ago

Elaine, a young member of a pirate clan of wolf shifters finds herself thrust into the intrigue through no fault of her own. Having to hide and reinvent herself, she thought it was all behind her. But more than 300 years later she finds herself once again in the fray and back in the arms of the mysterious shifter from long ago.
I liked that she and Cearnach were so very drawn to each other, knew it was destined but were still thoughtful about it. They didn&rsquo;t just dive in and say it was fate. It wove in nicely with the clan battles and intrigue. The book was well written and engaging. After all&hellip;.castles, warring clans, pirate treasure and hot love all set in the Scottish Highlands&hellip;.what more do you need?

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

A great series. I really enjoyed and bought her other books as well.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

love all her books

lorieR1

More than 1 year ago

IF YOU LET IT GO WILL IT RETURN.... Alpha wolf Cearnach MacNeill second in command of the MacNeill clan, always wondered what happened to the pretty she-wolf he tried to help in 1785 after she ran away from him.
Elaine Hawthorn an American Alpha she-wolf returns to Scotland after receiving a message from a distant cousin regarding finding the lost treasure her pirate uncles had hidden centuries ago.
Elaine accidently runs into Cearnach (well runs him off the road). She immediately recognizes him, but it takes him awhile to remember her...the lass that ran from him so long ago.
The sparks between them fly. Cearnach takes her home knowing she is kin to the Kilpatrick Clan rivals of the MacNeill's. Elaine makes an impression on the whole family (something she hasn't had in a long time) especially Lady MacNeill , Cearnach's mother &amp; his ghostly cousin Flynn who push for a mating between the two. But sometimes the past doesn't make things so easy.... Terry Spear has done it again with this great story. I can't wait for the next installment in the HEART OF THE WOLF SERIES.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Great characters good story line. Makes you wish it was real

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More than 1 year ago

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More than 1 year ago

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More than 1 year ago

RtBBlog

More than 1 year ago

Reviewed by Nadene R.
Book provided by NetGalley for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
This is the second book I have read by Terry Spear and I must say it met my expectations and more. This is the eleventh book in the Heart of the Wolf series; it however can be read as a stand-alone. A Highland Werewolf Wedding, a story that spanned centuries, is a wonderful romantic read with some amount of fantasy, action, suspense, humor and mystery sprinkled in between. The story is set in the Scottish Highlands and it gives readers an insight in to the highland culture. This helps to make the story very realistic.
Elaine Hawthorne, an American alpha-she wolf with Scottish ancestry, had endured loss and emotional pain at an early age. This experience served to only make her stronger and more self- reliant. She was a warrior by nature and basically a lone wolf. Due to all she had suffered in the past she kept to herself and was fearful of getting close to anyone. She was so used to doing things on her own it was difficult for her to accept help from anyone. She basically trusted no one. Elaine was someone who was able to hold her own and was a take charge person.
Cearnach MacNeill is one hot alpha werewolf. *Fans self* He was a protector by nature especially when it came to those whom he is very close to. From the moment he laid eyes on Elaine he knew he had found his mate for life. I loved how the author developed their chemistry which was evident from the moment they met. Their relationship was realistic. It had the usual ups and downs one would expect to find in any form of relationship. Their romance was definitely sizzling. It was easy for me to relate to Elaine as I understood her pain of loss. I loved the fact that Cearnach wanted to be there for her to help overcome her past so that their love could survive.
The supporting characters were great in their own way. I was intrigued with the concept of the animosity between the clans, even more so in light of the fact that Elaine was related to the Mckinley Clan whom was the sworn enemies of the MacNeil Clan. I believed this was developed superbly.
I love Ms. Spear&rsquo;s writing style, the way she develops her characters and her story telling skills. Very hot, addictive and detailed. The action scenes had me on the edge of my seat. I felt joy, sorrow and some finger biting moments while reading this book. There was some laugh out loud moments. It was an excellent story absolutely worth every moment spent reading it. It grabbed my attention from the very first page and it held it until the very end. This book is a must read and as such I would definitely recommend it to lovers of paranormal romance.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

I took a chance and it was great! loved the story

LindaTownsend

More than 1 year ago

Sexy Kilted Highlanders, Hot Passionate Wolves, Philandering Ghosts, Pirates, Treasure, Hangings, Run-A-Way Brides!!! Oh My!
OMG! Terry Spear knows how to write a Highland werewolf romance! She combines sexy Highlanders in kilts, hot and passionate wolves, philandering ghosts, pirates, pirates' treasure, hangings, run-a-way brides and more in this racy tale.
Elaine Hawthorne, an alpha she-wolf, has returned to Scotland to seek and claim her share of the treasure her uncles had hid there many years ago. On her way to a meeting with her cousin, she swerves to avoid meeting another car head-on. When a hot-under-the-collar wolf emerges from the other car, her plans take a detour to his friend's Highlands wedding.
Cearnach MacNeill was running late to his friend's wedding when he was almost run off the road. He was shocked when he realized that the other driver was the same she-wolf who had escaped from him many years ago. But now...he needs a ride to that wedding...
I really enjoyed this tale in Terry's Heart of the Wolf series. I love her Highlander wolves! This tale can be read alone but would probably be enjoyed even more if the series is read in order as characters from previous books are prominent in the story. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves titillating paranormals.
4 Stars!!!!!

jeanneb007

More than 1 year ago

Love this series but am a little frustrated that Terry has moved on to a new series without writing a book about the 4th highland brother.